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Andhra Pradesh
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Hyderabad
Pujari Sailaja HYDERABAD: For, Pujari Sailaja, the 2005 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, the ignominious manner in which she was “edged out” in the selection process of India’s lone entry in Beijing Olympics, despite being the best weightlifter in the selection trials organised by the Weightlifting Federation of India, was something un-digestible. This is understandable considering that the Srikakulam girl declined a job in CRPF sometime back as her single-minded pursuit was to represent India in Olympics. This powerhouse from Srikakulam who has been dominating the scene for about a decade now and also adjudged ‘best lifter’ in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, now stands forlorn – wondering “what more she has to achieve to earn the privilege to take part in Olympics”. Just consider this. In the national selections held by the WFI, she was the best as per the Sinclair Formula devised by the selection committee, ironically headed by her statemate Badeti Venkatramaiah. But she alleges her name was deleted though she stood first . and Monica Devi, who was second in selections was preferred. Sailaja is ranked World No. 9 in her category, Monica No. 15 in the 69 kg category. “No reasons are given. Indirectly they hint that doping controversy could well be the factor that went against me,” reveals Sailaja in a chat with The Hindu, even while reminding that she had to undergo four doping tests and spend Rs. 1.24 lakh to send the sample to Malaysia WADA Centre and get the clearance. “Only after I was cleared, the Andhra athlete was sent to take part in the Asian Championship”. If I was guilty of doping, they how come they send me to the Asian meet,” questions the 25-year-old Sailaja. Apparently, when Sailaja sought the intervention of Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy , it was a sad story of how a performing athlete’s hopes and aspirations got dashed in one stroke. Quick to respond (Beijing Games commence on August 4), Dr. Reddy faxed a letter of appeal to Union Minister of Sports M. S. Gill on Monday seeking a re-look at Sailaja’s exclusion. “I will appreciate your kind help in the matter,” he pointed out. With time running out, Sailaja’s tension is palpable. Will there be a change in fortunes, is the big question?
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